“Pediatric medicine and early childhood education are two systems that exist to serve families, each in its own way.
“The individuals who pursue these career paths are driven by a desire to make a difference and help kids thrive. Yet right now, pediatricians and early childhood educators are experiencing historic levels of burnout due to factors including unrealistic demands, inadequate compensation, and fewer professionals to share the workload.”
“At Reach Out and Read Northeast, we have the privilege of working at the intersection of pediatric medicine and early childhood education. We see the hard work being done daily by dedicated professionals in both arenas to support kids and families. We also see where systemic challenges cause a disconnect, resulting in frustration on both sides and challenges for families.
“While long-term systemic fixes include advocating for more appropriate insurance reimbursement rates, working toward better early childhood educator pay, and finding ways to fill both professional pipelines, families can’t wait. They depend on our collaboration now.
Here are three places to put our energy now as we look ahead to another year of supporting the families in our communities:
“A Recommitment to Cross-Sector Partnership…
“A Focus on Crucial Self-Care…
“An Infusion of Joy and Meaning…
“Helping families find the right referral, make a connection, or get the support they need can remind doctors and educators why they got into this work in the first place.”
— “The Impact of Burnout in Pediatric Medicine and Early Education,” by Alex Chu, The Early Years Advocate, February 26, 2025